1. The ProAction approach to the use of Competency Frameworks
We define Competencies as descriptions of behaviours (and, where appropriate, technical attributes)
that individuals must have, or must acquire, to perform effectively in the workplace. They describe
HOW work is to be undertaken; when written in a comprehensive format that defines levels of the
competency and identifies observable activities or outcomes from performing at a level, they become a
significant factor in defining WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKE for employees and managers alike.
In conjunction with a sharp focus on WHAT employees are asked to do – achieved through careful
objective setting - they enable a business to concentrate employees and managers alike on doing the
RIGHT THINGS RIGHT – a central plank in any strategy for getting the best from employees, and
shaping performance to be efficient, effective, and to make the best use of resources.
Our Competency Frameworks, along with a robust approach to performance management, provide
organisations with quality ‘best practice’ to adopting such a competency approach. This enables those
organisations to draw attention to those things that are important to achieve if the organisation is to be
successful and enduring and to achieve its strategic intent.